Money Saving Tips - The little ones

Following up on my previous posting... I've listed the rest of the ways I try to save money each week.

Groceries. Do you throw away a lot of groceries because you forgot what you bought? I use to... maybe not a lot, but throwing away any amount of food is still throwing away money. Instead, try doing grocery shopping for only 3 dinners. That way, you remember the food you bought. Plus, if you go out to eat unexpectantly, your meat will still be good the next day most likely. Next, cut out the junk food at the grocery store. You know you shouldn't eat it anyway, so save the calories and your money!

Cheap meals. I dread the grocery store because the bill is always more than I want and I hate the pressure of figuring out meals for the week. Save yourself some effort and prepare 1-2 cheap meals a week. Ours usually include: Kraft macaroni and cheese, chicken legs, BLTs, or burgers.

Use up all those samples you've been saving. Do you have a closet or shelf dedicated to unused makeup, lotion, toothpaste, perfume, shampoo, body wash, etc? I do. You might need to organize it first to realize what you have, but I bet you're holding on to stuff thinking you'll use it eventually. I just found 6 travel toothpastes that I've been saving from my dentist visits. I've been working through all my mall lotions, perfumes, beauty samples, etc. I told myself I wasn't allowed to any new product until I finished what I already have. It doesn't save a ton, but it saves a little and clears up your clutter.

Stop buying the cheap crap over and over again. My husband and I made an agreement a long time ago that we would only buy the 'good stuff'. Buy it once and be done. Generally, not always, the pricier stuff will outlast the cheap stuff, and be cheaper in the long run. Or you'll be unhappy until you buy the product you really want, so then you end up buying it anyway. I've had my Dyson vacuum for 5 years now with no problems. Home improvement is another area... you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to paint, yard tools, or anything else that takes a lot of abuse.

Lunches and Coffees. Do you spend a lot on both of these each week? Try working on a budget for this. My husband and I use to take out a $20 bill each week to be used for our lunch and coffees each week.

House checking vs. regular checking. This is a strategy I used during college. If you find yourself overdrawing your bank account occasionally, try opening a second bank account for only bills. Whenever you get paid, calculate all the bills to be paid, and move that money over. That way, you always have money for your bills, and you know how much you can spend based on what's left in your regular checking.

No more presents/cards/flowers. The ladies may not like this one, but agree to eliminate presents between you and your spouse. Valentines day, anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas eat up a lot of money - especially cards and flowers which eventually end up in the trash anyway. Instead, take the money both of you were planning to spend and make an extra deposit to one of your SmartyPig accounts.

Impulse buys. Whenever we get an idea into our head, we want to buy it NOW! Give yourself a night to sleep on it, or a week if you can. Many times you'll talk yourself out of it, or realize an alternative or better plan.

Check Craigslist. This follows-up nicely to the previous tip... check Craigslist before buying something brand new. There are some things I would never buy used, but when applicable, used is the way to go. Some ideas: craft supplies, yard tools, kid's clothes and toys, small appliances, fitness equipment, games, movies, costumes, or any other one-time use product.

Avoid the malls. Pretty obvious one... If you don't have the money, don't go shopping, duh. If you want to save money or not live paycheck to paycheck, don't go shopping! It should be sporadic, not weekly or biweekly.